The holiday season is just around the corner, which means party guests and, probably, damage to your hardwood floors.

If you want to eliminate the latter, we have some useful tips for avoiding the hassle of repairing hardwood floors and learning how to protect them instead.

Caring for your floors goes a long way toward protecting them and ensuring that they look good for years to come. Here is how you can protect your hardwood flooring in Toronto or wherever you live.

Tips to Protect Your Hardwood Flooring in Toronto and Elsewhere

The last thing you want this holiday season is to worry about your hardwood flooring. Here are some simple tips to save your floors from possible damage.

  1. Use Door Mats

Dirt and debris are common hazards to hardwood flooring as they can cause scratches. But how do you combat this issue? Very simple: use indoor and outdoor doormats at each entrance. This will help reduce the chances of guests bringing grit into your house. This works for all kinds of residential spaces and can also be used to maintain commercial flooring this holiday season.

  1. Assess High-Traffic Areas

Parties are fun, but cleaning up the mess isn’t. So, strategize first. After all, hardwood floors are an investment and a popular choice for both homeowners and potential buyers. Realtors know that prospective buyers don’t hesitate to shell out money for hardwood floors. So, it’s always a good idea to protect them, even if you don’t plan to sell your home.

Assess the high-traffic zones of your home and install area rugs and place dustbins for guests to use. That way, you can protect your hardwood flooring more easily.

  1. Have a No-Shoe Policy

If you are worried about guests damaging your brand-new hardwood flooring, ask that they take their shoes off before coming in. This can be tricky if you have a large gathering. But allocating space for them to store their shoes will effectively prevent dirt, snow, and other elements from getting in.

  1. Get a Boot Tray

Snow makes the holiday season special but is a challenge to wooden floors as snow or ice can lead to flooring issues.

That’s why it’s a smart idea to place a boot tray outside your house and a towel underneath to soak up stray moisture. This is a great tip to protect hardwood floors from damage.

  1. Repair Interior Doors

If you have cracked or damaged interior doors, it’s always a good idea to replace them before winter. This is because a damaged interior door can scratch your hardwood floors, so it is best to fix it before you start having guests over. Also, they allow cold air to seep in, which can cause your floors to contract and crack.

  1. Clean Up Regularly

Spills and accidents are common, even more so when you have a party. Mop up any spills or accidents as soon as you can to minimize damage to floors.

For the best results, use a proper hardwood flooring cleaner; otherwise, you may end up damaging your floors.

  1. Take Care of Your Christmas Tree

There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree to embody the holiday spirit. However, you will need to refresh its water regularly to keep it looking fresh. Again, exposing your hardwood floors to moisture is a major risk. So, what do you do?

Ensure that you have a waterproof Christmas tree stand mat or plastic drain tray. (The latter is commonly used under washing machines.) This will prevent spills and water from getting on your hardwood floors. Avoid using a towel under the tree to prevent spillage, as it will only trap moisture and not protect your hardwood floors.

  1. Keep Your Pets’ Nails Trimmed

Pets tend to get excited and nervous around guests. This may lead them to run, jump, and scratch your hardwood floors. The best way to avoid the latter is to trim their nails.

The start of the holiday season is both fun and exciting. The last thing you want is to worry about your hardwood floors. With a little planning, you can avoid potential problems and focus on your party and enjoy time with friends and family. Need to install new hardwood flooring in Toronto? Get in touch with your nearest home improvement store today.